5 insights on how to set up your own eco fund

In this article, you will discover insights on nature funding and setting up a foundation or innovative funding mechanisms from DPD - one of the largest parcel delivery networks in the UK. 

These insights come from our Community of Practice, a space where changemakers and pioneers come together to share real-world experiences across industries. Through open sharing and collaboration, we inspire action, save each other time, and build confidence in making impactful decisions.

Check our our case study below to find out more what we do and what we achieve through this community. 

CASE STUDY

Value chain collaboration to achieve shared sustainability, commercial and marketing goals.

READ MORE

During our Community of Practice session,  Kerri Nadel - General Manager of Sustainability at DPD UK - shared learnings about launching DPD's Eco Fund, which uses revenue from recycling specific waste streams to support environmental projects by community groups, educational facilities and start-ups.

Since 2020, the initiative has now grown into a structured, committee-managed fund — with £323,701 donated in 2024 alone.

DPD Eco Fund has supported:

• Awarding of £50,000 to the RSPB for floodplain wetlands restoration of the Pulborough Brooks Nature Reserve 
  
  
• £30,000 funding each to two reforestation projects involving schools and communities, in partnership with Woodland Trust
  
  
• Creation and restoration of four woodland sites in collaboration with Forestry England
  
  
• Donation of £16,000 to support expansion of City to Sea's refill campaign across UK communities, including training and behaviour change guidance
  
  
• £50,000 donation to community-led regeneration of Cody Dock and the local waterways, including creation of habitat for Kingfishers and Sand Martins
  
  
• Planting 300,000 native trees in biodiversity hotspots across the world, in partnership with Treeapp since 2021
  
  
• Donation of £90,000 to the RSPB for the restoration of 18 hectares of wetland at Langford Lowfields

Below you will find Kerri Nadel's key learnings that can help you get your organisation's eco fund off the ground.

Top-down buy-in and strategic vision

“…it kind of came from the top down, which is really probably unusual, but obviously very good.”

DPD Eco Fund originated from genuine leadership care. The business kick-started the fund with an initial investment of £150,000. This early commitment demonstrated a top-down vision and helped to kick start the project. 

Funding sustainability through circular approach

An innovative funding mechanism leverages routine waste streams to align financial flows with environmental goals. First, DPD generates revenue from recycled packaging by selling plastic shrink wrap and pallets. This money is then reinvested into the Eco Fund without profiting directly from them.

Start and evolve as you go

In its early days, the Eco Fund supported projects with modest grants of around £200 to  £500. As the fund's impact grew, DPD evolved its approach. They introduced a process with due diligence and committee voting to guide more amibitious projects. They went on learning journey that ensured accountability and transparency, strengthening their ability to adapt and scale up their impact over time.

Share the journey

“...we really wanted everyone to see the change happening.”

Kerri and the team use an integrated strategy of podcasts, websites, videos and regular sustainability updates, opening up opportunities for engagement and collaboration.

Cross-departmental and external collaboration

“Collaboration has been key to making this work across the board.”

Collaboration between internal teams and external partners like Forestry England and the Woodland Trust is central to DPD’s success. This spirit of welcoming expertise and diverse voices transforms shared challenges into opportunities for lasting, scalable environmental and community impact.

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CHIEF SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER - SAVILLS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Emily Hamilton

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